8 of the Best Drugstore Bronzers Under $25

by Katharine McEntee
Updated 10/17/19

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You don’t have to go on vacation to get sun-kissed skin—just a couple swipes of bronzer will do the trick. And while that may sound easy enough, we know that finding the right bronzer for your skin tone and price point can be difficult. That’s why we’ve compiled the best drugstore bronzers ranging from light to dark and everything in between. Oh, and did we mention they are all under $25?

Looking for a matte finish to deepen your existing tan? Or is a shimmery powder more what you’re after? Whatever your preference—a full-on tan or just a bit of a healthy glow—these drugstore bronzers will instantly transform dull skin into a luminous I-just-got-back-from-vacation complexion. Simply brush a bit on your cheeks, forehead, and the bridge of your nose, et voilà.

Read on for our picks of the best drugstore bronzers.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Covergirl TruBlend Bronzer

A blend of micro-fine pigments, this golden brown bronzer from Covergirl adds radiance to the skin thanks to a subtle dose of shimmer.

Best for Fair Skin: Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer

Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer

 Courtesy of Ulta

This cool-toned bronzer is perfect for fair skin tones who are afraid of looking orange. Just make sure not to drop the product (it will lift out of the pan), but at this price point, it's a total steal.

Best for Deep Skin: Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Butter Bronzer in Deep

A beauty-editor favorite, the cushiony creamy texture of this bronzer makes it super blendable, allowing for a lovely natural finish. Plus, it smells delicious.

Take a look at our selection of the best makeup brushes.

Best with Brush: Pixi by Petra Beauty Bronzer + Kabuki in Summertime

pixi by petra bronzer and kabuki

Courtesy of Pixi Beauty

Pixi's bronzer in the color Summertime is a great drugstore option for those with fair to light skin. However, we recommend applying said bronzer with a light hand, as a little goes a long way.

Best Quad: e.l.f. Bronzer

elf bronzer

Courtesy of elf Cosmetics  

Create a healthy glow with this 4-in-1 bronzer compact that is neither dark nor light. Simply add to your face's high points for a glow befitting vacation.

Best Matte: NYX Professional Makeup Matte Bronzer

With five different shades, all perfectly mixed to mimic a real tan, NYX Professional Makeup's matte bronzer gives off a realistic glow.

Check out our other reviews of the best bronzers available on the market today.

Best Waterproof: Rimmel London Natural Bronzer

This warm-toned bronzer is a drugstore staple. Wear semi-sheer for everyday use or layer it on for a deeply bronzed effect. The powder is waterproof and wears for up to 10 hours, just a few of the reasons why we love it so.

Take a look at our best brushes for contouring article.

Best Cream: W3ll People Bio Bronzer Stick

W3ll People Bio Bronzer Stick

Courtesy of W3ll People

If you're looking for a bronzer that will last from morning till night, try a cream bronzer like W3ll People's stick. Not only does this bronzer have major staying power, but it also blends in for a realistic, sun-kissed finish.

Still can't decide on what you want? Our roundup of the best cream contour kits can help you find what you're looking for.

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